Netflix and Amazon face 20% European content quotas in Europe

Netflix is already investing in European content, making shows such as "Marseille," starring Gerard Depardieu.

Netflix

Netflix, Amazon and other streaming services operating in Europe will be required to ensure that at least 20 percent of their content is European, according to new European Commission proposals.

The Commission published its proposals on Wednesday as part of its edict to create a single digital market in Europe. A large part of its mission is to promote the European film industry and ensure that its citizens have access to homegrown content alongside films and TV shows created in the US. Streaming services will therefore also be compelled to contribute financially to creating European works.

The proposals, first rumored last week, also require video-sharing services to take responsibility for protecting children. This will require the introduction of tools to flag harmful content and age-verification and parental-control systems.

"The way we watch TV or videos may have changed, but our values don't," said Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society Günther H. Oettinger. The new rules will help to "ensure a level playing field, responsible behavior, trust and fairness in the online platforms environment," he added.

Netflix and Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.